Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of a classic French Cheese Soufflé, a savory dish that marries the richness of Gruyère cheese with fluffy egg whites. This recipe yields a golden-brown masterpiece that will impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soufflé:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, heated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup (about 3.5 oz) grated Gruyère cheese, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 1.5-quart soufflé dish and dust it with grated cheese or flour, tapping out any excess.
- Make the Béchamel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the Base: Whisk the egg yolks into the béchamel one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the grated Gruyère.
- Beat the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold and Bake: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture in thirds, being careful not to deflate the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and run your thumb around the edge to help it rise evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks for best rise.
- Gruyère can be substituted with Comté or sharp white cheddar.
- Avoid opening the oven while baking to prevent collapsing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 individual portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
